Foldable Suction Platform for Autonomous Cleaning Robot Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning robot systems require significant space, are costly, and inefficient due to the need for manual handling and maintenance, as they require robots to be transported to storage facilities for emptying and cleaning, which disrupts their cleaning tasks and increases susceptibility to theft or damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where cleaning robots can be autonomously emptied during their cleaning phase using a foldable suction platform integrated into a trolley, allowing robots to position themselves for suction without manual intervention, reducing space requirements and enhancing maintenance accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning robots are stored in a base station outside of cleaning phase, then they are protected from theft and damage, but they occupy considerable space and reduce visual appeal of the area
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is designed with a movable platform that can be positioned in different locations. The platform moves to bring cleaning robots closer to the cleaning area during non-cleaning phases, reducing the space footprint while maintaining protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static ground-based storage solution to a multi-level configuration where robots are stored on elevated platforms. This vertical arrangement reduces ground space occupation while maintaining robot accessibility and protection.
2Reliability
If cleaning robots are removed and stored after cleaning is complete, then security is improved, but manual handling increases personnel costs
Solution Approach 1:
Cleaning robots autonomously navigate to and from the base station without manual intervention. The system includes automated guidance features and self-positioning capabilities that enable robots to service themselves, eliminating the need for personnel to physically handle and transport the robots.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling of robots is replaced with automated electronic control systems. The base station incorporates sensors, motors, and control algorithms that automatically manage robot deployment, retrieval, and positioning, replacing the need for human operators to physically move the robots.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If cleaning robots are transported to storage facility for emptying, then dirt is removed, but cleaning tasks are interrupted and system efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is divided into multiple independent emptying stations, each capable of servicing one robot at a time. This segmentation allows multiple robots to be emptied in parallel or in quick succession, minimizing interruptions to the overall cleaning operation and maintaining high system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station performs preliminary emptying of robots before they are deployed for cleaning tasks. By pre-emptying robots, the system ensures they start each cleaning cycle with full capacity, reducing the frequency and duration of interruptions during actual cleaning operations.
4Ease of operation
If components for extraction and cleaning are installed in each storage location, then cleaning functionality is provided, but manufacturing costs and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station incorporates a centralized cleaning system that serves all storage locations. A single set of extraction and cleaning components is shared across multiple robots through a common infrastructure, eliminating the need for duplicate components at each storage location and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cleaning functions are merged into a single integrated system within the base station. The extraction mechanisms, cleaning agents, and control systems are combined into a unified architecture that services all robots, reducing the total number of components and simplifying maintenance requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach increases efficiency by allowing continuous cleaning operations, reduces personnel costs, and minimizes maintenance and repair expenses while providing a compact, lightweight, and easy-to-handle system.
Implementation Method 1
activate the blower to empty the cleaning robot positioned and aligned on the suction platform, so that dirt is transported from the dirt collection unit into the dirt container
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~10
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for emptying cleaning robots (R) with a dirt collection unit and a suction interface by means of a cart (1) designed to store the plurality of cleaning robots (R) outside their cleaning phase, in which they perform cleaning tasks, and which has a suction system with a foldable suction platform (3), a suction opening (7), a dirt container (SB) and a blower (G), wherein the method comprises the following steps: unfolding the suction platform (3) of the cart (1) when it is folded in, so that it is arranged on a surface on which the cart (1) stands in an operational position; placing one of the cleaning robots (R) on the unfolded suction platform; aligning the suction interface with the suction opening (7); and activating the blower (G) to empty the cleaning robot (R) arranged and aligned on the suction platform (3).so that dirt is transported from the dirt collection unit into the dirt container (SB). Furthermore, the invention relates to a cleaning system with a cart (1) and a plurality of cleaning robots (R) configured to carry out the method.